By Jon Hiltz

 

When various forms of cannabis decriminalization and legalization take hold in major nations like Canada and the United States, smaller countries become less fearful about stepping out from behind the cannabis reform shadows.

Now, reports out of Thailand show various government organizations looking into decriminalizing cannabis.

At a public forum last Monday, groups from both the government and private industry in Thailand agreed that cannabis does not belong on the country’s list of illegal Category 5 drugs.  At the moment, penalties for getting caught with substances under this classification include a prison sentence of 1 to 15 years and substantial fines.

The Crime Suppression Police, Drug Suppression Police, National Agricultural Council, and the Council of State (a department under the Prime Minister) each sent member representatives to the public meeting.

The Drug Enforcement Unit from the Thailand Police said that the Thailand Department of Public Health would need to issue additional laws to control cannabis if and when decriminalization becomes a reality.

According to MThai, the Agricultural Council will be researching the issue and developing a decriminalization proposal for the cabinet.

Thailand’s decriminalization of cannabis could be the catalyst for sweeping reforms across the region, much like when Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana.

Uruguay’s legalization sparked debate and reform in South America. As a result, other countries like Columbia began considering significant changes to their cannabis policies.